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Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers. Here are some of the questions we answer on a daily basis. If you need more information about your specific policy, give us a call, send us an email, or message us directly.
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage pays medical expenses for you and the passengers in your car after an accident, no matter who was at fault.
It’s different from bodily injury liability, which pays for injuries you cause to other people when you’re at fault. MedPay pays quickly, without waiting for fault to be decided, and it can cover health insurance deductibles and copays. Because it’s inexpensive and helps settle small injury claims without a lawsuit, we recommend it for most drivers.
Yes. You can cancel a personal insurance policy (auto, home, boat, and so on) at any time. Most preferred carriers in California refund your unused premium on a pro-rata basis, so you only pay for the days you were covered.
Some policies charge a short-rate cancellation fee or have a minimum earned premium, so check your policy or ask us before you cancel. Always have your new policy in place before canceling the old one so you don’t have a gap in coverage.
Usually, yes. In most cases the coverage on your personal auto policy carries over to a rental car you drive for personal use. If you have liability only, the rental gets liability only. If you carry comprehensive and collision, those coverages generally apply to damage to the rental car too, minus your deductible.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Rental companies can charge you for loss of use, administrative fees, and diminished value while the car is being repaired, and not every policy pays those charges. If you’re renting for a long trip, renting outside the U.S., or don’t carry comprehensive and collision, buying the rental company’s damage waiver can make sense. Call us before your trip and we’ll tell you exactly what your policy covers.
The best way to keep your rates competitive is to work with an independent insurance agency, like Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services, that can compare multiple carriers. But the rate you pay isn’t as important as having the RIGHT coverage.
1. Find three to five independent insurance agencies near you.
2. Call and interview them. Ask questions like “What makes you different?” and “What services and value do you bring to the table?”
3. Once you find someone you’re comfortable with, make an appointment and ask for a needs analysis showing which policies and coverages you should have in place.
The most popular term in insurance is “it depends”. There is no way to make a blanket statement that will cover ALL insurance policies. To find the most proper answer for this question, you must look to your insurance policy.
Most preferred insurance policies operate under the term “Permissive Use” This means those people, that are not directly excluded from your policy and have your implied permission to use your vehicle are covered on your insurance policy.
Typically, if someone is a licensed driver in the home, or has regular access to the vehicles, it is best to list them on the policy. Check with your insurance agent or review your policy to find out the details of your coverage.
No one looks forward to filing a claim, but that’s why you have insurance. Here’s what to do before you file:
1) Make sure you’re in a safe place. If you’re in an auto accident, move out of traffic if you can and don’t try to file a claim from the side of the road. If your home is damaged, stop further damage first. For example, if a pipe bursts, shut off the water.
2) Compare the damage to your deductible. Ask yourself whether it’s better to pay out of pocket rather than file a claim that could raise your rates for three to five years. For example, if you cause an accident and the damage to your car is $850 with a $500 deductible, the claim would only pay $350. Paying the $850 yourself may be worth it to keep a clean record and your California Good Driver Discount.
If anyone is hurt, or the damage is significant, report it right away. Call us and we’ll help you decide.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is one of the most misunderstood auto coverages. It protects you and the people in your car when another driver hits you and has no insurance (uninsured) or not enough insurance (underinsured) to pay for your injuries.
California requires every driver to carry insurance, but many don’t, and drivers who carry only the minimum limits often don’t have assets to cover a serious injury. Suing them usually gets you nothing. Instead, you can file a claim under the uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy. California requires insurers to offer it, and you have to reject it in writing to go without. It’s relatively inexpensive and extremely important.
Here are six common ways to lower your insurance:
1) Bundle your policies. If you only have one line of insurance with us, such as auto without home or renters, you’re probably paying more than you need to.
2) Ask about the good student discount. Young drivers with a 3.0 GPA (a B average) or better often qualify.
3) Put all your household vehicles on one policy to get a multi-car discount.
4) Tell us what you do for a living. Some carriers offer discounts for occupations like police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and engineers, or for drivers with a four-year college degree.
5) Install an alarm, anti-theft device, or monitored security system in your car or home.
6) Keep a clean driving record. In California, drivers who qualify for the Good Driver Discount must receive at least 20% off their auto rates.
Typically, a trucking company is insured for these lines of coverage: auto liability, general liability, physical damage (comprehensive and collision on your trucks), and motor truck cargo. Many also add non-trucking liability, trailer interchange, and workers’ compensation or occupational accident coverage. Contact us at 858-798-5450 for more information about protecting your trucking firm’s assets.
Commercial auto liability covers the risks of operating your vehicles, while general liability covers risks from the rest of your business operations.
Commercial auto liability pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others with a covered vehicle, including other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. General liability covers bodily injury and property damage claims from customers, guests, vendors, and others that come from your premises or operations, such as someone slipping in your lobby or damage you cause at a customer’s location.
Don’t see your question? Contact us.
